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Archive for the ‘Guest Post’ Category

Introducing Jed Doc LLC, Tech on Tech, and The Forge

Monday, January 13th, 2025

About Jed Doc:

Jed Doc is a multi-disciplinary team of tactical practitioners that assists clients with understanding, developing, and deploying capabilities to support the national security interests of the United States and its Allies.

Understanding: Jed Doc provides Tactical Tech Scouting in current conflict areas and emerging crisis areas to provide insights on emerging tactics, techniques, and technology.

Development: Jed Doc provides Proving Ground Operations and Technical Effects Consulting by leading and organizing events to assess the effectiveness of defense technology products under conditions of current and future operating environments. Jed Doc conducts these events inside, and outside of the continental United States.

Deployment: Jed Doc assists clients with deploying their products to current conflict areas and emerging crisis areas by providing physical security, commercially consistent secure communication systems, infrastructure, logistics, and customer integration.

Tech on Tech:

One way Jed Doc accomplishes development this is through its novel Tech on Tech program, which provides tailored force-on-force environments to aid companies in product development, testing, and evaluation on a monthly basis.

Tech on Tech events are built around the needs of the customer and simulate real-world conditions so that companies can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and rapidly iterate on-site while simultaneously gaining exposure to end users.

Tech on Tech 25.2 is scheduled for 17-20 February in Moore County, North Carolina and registration is open until February 7th. Slots are available on a limited basis with first come first serve for six companies. The theme of 25.2 is “SUAS/CUAS Capture the Flag” with observer participation from US Government agencies and military organizations.

The Forge:

The Forge Defense Technology Scouting Platform weekly newsletter service and archive is oriented on identifying the ongoing evolution of Tactics, Techniques, and Technology as seen in current crises and conflict zones around the world and providing commentary and analysis. Those interested in The Forge’s weekly updates can subscribe here.

Those interested in learning more about The Forge, Tech on Tech, or other services provided by Jed Doc can contact jeddoc@proton.me.

Exercise Reaper Castillo Pathfinds MQ-9 Capabilities in Austere Environments

Monday, January 13th, 2025

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —  

An MQ-9 Reaper circles above the Melrose Air Force Range in New Mexico, surveying the area below as it prepares to land on a dirt strip. On the ground the 1st Special Operations Mission Sustainment Team (SOMST) secures the landing zone, ready to refuel and rearm the aircraft.

More than 1,100 miles away, at Hurlburt Field, Florida, an MQ-9 pilot and sensor operator control the remotely piloted aircraft from a ground control station.

The 65th Special Operations Squadron hosted Exercise Reaper Castillo Nov. 4 to Dec. 18, 2024 to sharpen mission-essential tasks and develop MQ-9 Agile Combat Employment (ACE) capabilities. The goal: create a lighter, leaner and more agile force.

The exercise validated the MQ-9’s ability to conduct key operations in austere environments, including dirt-strip landings, refueling, rearming and rapid relaunch.

“In the future fight, we assess we will no longer be able to rely exclusively on the main operating bases that have persisted,” said the 1st SOMST flight commander. “Operating in austere environments anytime, anyplace and anywhere is critical. It enables commanders to have options – something critically needed in special operations forces.”

Typically, the MQ-9 requires a paved runway with a group of maintainers and extensive support functions. However, during the exercise a light SOMST footprint on an austere dirt airfield provided all necessary functions to support mission execution.

“If special operations MSTs can enable mission generation at the forward edge of the battlefield, it can increase the lethality, range, and overall capability of the aircraft for strategic and tactical national interests,” the flight commander said.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a versatile and precise intelligence, surveillance and strike platform and its adaptability and range of capabilities make it an asset for modern military operations.

These capabilities align with ACE, a strategy focused on enhancing flexibility and resilience by dispersing forces across multiple, often austere, locations. With its ability to operate in remote environments and adapt to rapidly changing mission requirements, the MQ-9 plays a role in supporting ACE’s emphasis on decentralized operations and rapid deployment.

“The MQ-9 is extremely relevant in today’s fight and will be in the future as well,” said a 65th SOS MQ-9 evaluator pilot and exercise mission commander. “It allows us to go places and do things that we cannot risk sending manned aircraft – such as high-threat environments.”

The exercise builds on the hard work of the 65th SOS’s sister squadrons over the past few years and will provide important data and lessons learned for the next squadron to push the concepts even further, said Lt. Col. Kurtis Paul, 65th SOS commander.

“On its surface, Reaper Castillo 24 is an exercise created and executed by the 65th SOS. But in reality, it’s another step in Air Force Special Operations Command’s efforts to push MQ-9 operations beyond conventional means,” Paul added. “It brought together many members from multiple AFSOC wings and it’s humbling to have the Lucky Dicers’ stamp on this iteration – this was truly a win for all of AFSOC remotely piloted aircraft and where we’re headed in the future.”

As the future of Air Force operations adapt to emerging technologies and evolving threats, the forward-thinking approach of these teams is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the MQ-9.

“We have to break out of the mindset that we need a huge, paved runway with co-located launch and recovery aircrews,” the mission commander added. “If we can free ourselves from the traditional mindset, it makes MQ-9 combat reach nearly limitless.”

By Senior Airman Deanna Muir, 1st Special Operations Wing

Tough Stump Rodeo Update

Sunday, January 12th, 2025

We’re thrilled to announce Augustine Consulting Inc, Galvion, Juggernaut Case, MP Antenna and Somewear Labs as Silver Sponsors for Tough Stump Rodeo 2025!

These incredible sponsors bring innovative solutions and expertise that will elevate this year’s event, supporting the cutting-edge technologies and collaborative efforts that define the Tough Stump Rodeo.

What They Bring to TSR25:

• Augustine Consulting : Delivering tailored engineering and technical solutions for mission success.

• Galvion: Leaders in advanced personal protection and power management systems.

• Juggernaut Case: Providing rugged, mission-ready gear for seamless mobile device integration.

• MP Antenna: Experts in high-performance antenna solutions for mission-critical communications.

• Somewear Labs: Innovators in global satellite communication and situational awareness tools.

We’re honored to have their support as we prepare for an unforgettable week of innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration in Montana’s rugged terrain.

Now in its fifth year, the Tough Stump Rodeo returns, providing attendees with an exclusive in-person opportunity to explore products designed to enhance operational collaboration and boost safety.

Save the Dates: June 2-6, 2025

Registration Opens January 2025 – Limited Seating

toughstump.com/rodeo-2025#

Soldier Instructors and Staff Become Combat Lifesavers

Saturday, January 11th, 2025

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. — Sixteen U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 166th Regiment – Regional Training Institute recently completed a Combat Lifesaver, or CLS course, instructed by the RTI’s Medical Battalion Training Site, Dec. 16-20, 2024.

The CLS course is a 40-hour program and covers a wide variety of topics pertaining to medical field care. A CLS-trained Soldier is capable of providing advanced first aid and lifesaving techniques in combat situations.

“In the CLS course we cover everything that happens from the point of injury until a casualty is evacuated and transported to the next level of medical care,” said Sgt. Joshua Nassau, a MBTS combat medic specialist and CLS course instructor.

During the course, students trained on head injuries, hypothermia treatment, pain management and antibiotics, splinting and applying tourniquets to wounds, calling in a 9-line medical evacuation, various patient reports, documentation and more.

This course was unique in that all instructors and students were 166th Regiment RTI staff members.

“It’s been a great week of camaraderie building,” said Sgt. 1st Class Wellington Brown, a CLS student. “Since we’re all with the RTI, we’re able to bond and develop together while, having a good time while getting some great training.”

But what’s the value in the RTI conducting a CLS course for its own instructors and staff? Nassau provided some insight, saying, “If something happens to one of these instructors’ students in the field, having this training allows them to respond immediately and provide the needed medical care until a medic arrives.”

This makes sense, considering CLS-trained Soldiers are not intended to replace medical personnel outright. But their training can help slow the decline of a wounded Soldier’s condition until medical help arrives, and then a CLS can provide further assistance to that medic and the patient.

“It’s a very hands-on course, which is good for retaining all the knowledge we’ve learned,” said Brown. “I see a lot of value in the course and would recommend it to others.”

By SFC Shane Smith

Princeton Tec to Attend SHOT Show 2025 and Celebrate 50th Anniversary

Friday, January 10th, 2025

PENNSAUKEN, NJ. –  January 9, 2025 – Princeton Tec, a renowned provider of American-made quality outdoor and tactical lighting options, is excited to announce it will be celebrating its 50thanniversary with its attendance at the upcoming 2025 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nev. January 21-24.

“At Princeton Tec, we are so excited to be attending SHOT Show 2025, especially since this year we celebrate our 50th year in business,” said Princeton Tec Director of Marketing Kady Kolb. “We can’t imagine a better place for the occasion where we will showcase our most popular products as well as some exciting new ones. We are looking forward to connecting with industry professionals, showcasing what is new at Princeton Tec, and celebrating 50 years of providing our American- made, high-quality lighting options.”

Princeton Tec will be exhibiting at SHOT Show in the Law Enforcement section at booth #62103, where attendees will find its most popular technologies on display as well as some new products to explore for hunters, adventurers and tactical enthusiasts alike. Princeton Tec is proud to offer a variety of lighting products for outdoor, tactical, and military personnel across its product lineup, including its headlamps, helmet lights and more.

Over 55,000 professionals in the shooting, hunting, outdoor and law enforcement industry are expected to attend this year’s SHOT Show. SHOT Show fosters collaborative exchange, innovation, networking and strategic partnerships across the outdoor industry. This year, the exhibition floor will showcase over 2,700 exhibitors.

For more information on Princeton Tec, please visit www.princetontec.com or find Princeton Tec on Instagram and Facebook. 

For more information about SHOT Show 2025, including exhibitors, schedules, events and partners please visit shotshow.org.

To set up a meeting with Princeton Tec at SHOT Show, contact emily.stuchell@murrayroadagency.com.

See the Latest from Ops-Core at SHOT Show

Friday, January 10th, 2025

Visit Ocean State Innovations at the SHOT SHOW Suppliers Showcase

Friday, January 10th, 2025

Ocean State Innovations is excited to be part of the action at the industry’s premier event! Come see us at SHOT SHOW Suppliers Showcase Booth #52240 on Monday, January 20th, and Tuesday, January 21st, to discover our latest innovations and solutions for tactical and outdoor gear.

Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with our team and learn more about how we’re driving innovation forward.

Location: Venetian Expo, Las Vegas
Dates: January 20–21, 2025

For more info call us at 401-293-5500 or visit osinnovate.com

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Tactical Hand Warmer

Friday, January 10th, 2025

The TACTICAL HAND WARMER is the ideal cold-weather accessory designed to keep your hands comfortable in cool climate conditions. Both the fleece and merino wool materials offer soft interiors, ensuring excellent heat retention to keep your fingers warm. It can be directly attached to a platform for easy access or worn independently using the included strap which stows neatly inside when not in use.

Adjustable cuffs allow for a customizable fit for different users and conditions. Whether attached to your gear or worn standalone, the TACTICAL HAND WARMER provides weather protection and comfort for a wide spectrum of elements and environments.

Offered with fleece lined interior for Black, Ranger Green, and Coyote colorways as well as merino wool for Multi Cam the system’s design is both practical and versatile, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and tactical operators alike.

It features a convenient topside storage pocket, perfect for storing air-activated hand warmers or other essential small items.

The included storage bag provides a solution for compact packing and easy transport.

For more specs and information check out the TACTICAL HAND WARMER.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train.

For more information visit First-Spear.com.